Smith enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh and played for the Pittsburgh Panthers football team. He redshirted during his first year at Pittsburgh, in 2006,[3] and became the Panthers' starting quarterback in 2007 following an injury to Bill Stull.[2] He lost his starting role to Pat Bostick, a freshman, after struggling in a 2007 game against the Michigan State Spartans.[3] He appeared in five games during the 2007 season, and one game during the 2008 season.[4]
With Alex Avila going on the disabled list, the White Sox promoted Smith to the major leagues on April 24, 2016.[14] Smith was scratched from the lineup on April 25 with back spasms, and the White Sox put Smith on the disabled list due to sacroiliac joint dysfunction the next day.[15][16] On May 22, 2016, he was activated from the 15-day disabled list and returned to Charlotte. One game after his activation with the Knights, he went back on the disabled list.[17] The White Sox promoted Smith to the major leagues on September 1, and he made his major league debut that day.[18] He recorded his first two major league hits on September 17.[19] On February 10, 2017, Smith cleared waivers and was outrighted to Charlotte.[20]
Smith began the 2017 season with Charlotte,[21] and was promoted to the major leagues on April 13.[22] In 2017 with the White Sox he batted .283/.309/.388 with 4 home runs and 30 RBIs in 273 at bats.[23]
In 2018 with the White Sox he batted .292/.348/.380 with 3 home runs and 21 RBIs in 171 at bats.[23]
Los Angeles Angels
On October 26, 2018, Smith was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Angels.[24] Smith played in 67 games for the Angels in 2019, batting .251/.318/.393 with 5 home runs and 20 RBI. On December 2, 2019, Smith was non-tendered by the Angels and became a free agent.[25]
Tampa Bay Rays
On January 11, 2020, Smith signed a minor league deal with the Tampa Bay Rays.[26] Smith was promoted to the Rays' major league roster on July 21, 2020, after Colin Poche was placed on the injured list following a torn UCL.[27] He was designated for assignment on August 9, and was outrighted by the Rays on August 12.[28] On August 29, 2020, Smith was selected back to the active roster.[29] On October 30, 2020, Smith was outrighted off of the 40-man roster and elected free agency.
On December 29, 2020, Smith re-signed with the Rays on a minor league contract.[30] On May 7, 2021, Smith was selected to the active roster.[31] Smith notched 1 hit in 5 plate appearances before being designated for assignment by the Rays on May 16.[32]
Atlanta Braves
On May 19, 2021, Smith was traded to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for cash considerations.[33] On August 11, the Braves designated Smith for assignment to make room for Travis d'Arnaud.[34] Smith elected free agency on August 13.[35]